The Perfect Draft: New York Giants

With the draft approaching, we ignore projections and identify the dream scenario for each team in a series we call The Perfect Draft.

Success has its advantages. In a draft like this, the successful teams can get comparable talent for a mere fraction of the price. Teams picking in the bottom of the first round will gladly take the available players and be thrilled about it. There will be starter-caliber talent on the board, and teams like the New York Giants appear ready to reap the benefits.


Kenny Britt. Even before the Plaxico Burress drama reached its climax with his release from the team, the Giants were in need of help at wide receiver. The departures of Burress and Amani Toomer take away 73 receptions, over 1,000 yards, and eight touchdowns from last year's team.

You might think Domenik Hixon and Steve Smith can fill the void, and maybe they can. The "You never really know" part of the NFL is entertaining, intriguing, and sometimes aggravating.

The team, however, can take no such chance. A receiver like Britt, who is big with good hands and solid route-running skills, is too good to pass up. He should be good enough to start by mid-season, and the Giants need to make that kind of impact.

Even if they're able to pull off a trade for an established veteran, look for them to address their lack of receiver depth early in the draft.


Looking at the Giants' roster, there aren't a lot of glaring holes. One thing I think they'll do is find some depth at linebacker. I'd like to see them get a guy like Clint Sintim of Virginia or maybe Marcus Freeman from Ohio State. This isn't a spot where you'd necessarily need a guy to play a lot right away, but instead a position the Giants could use some quality youth at.

Another issue is along the defensive tackle, where I think the Giants will make a move to add a body. A guy like Alex Magee of Purdue could be a quality second-day choice that gives them more flexibility on passing downs.

The Giants may also take a shot at a developmental prospect for their secondary, such as Troy Nolan of Arizona State, who could add some depth to the special teams.